Theaters to share at Page-to-Stage

In a state with more than 80 different theaters and theater companies, many of the smaller organizations are left competing for a piece of the resources-talent-and-money pie.

Which is what makes the annual Page-to-Stage Festival unique.

"I think there's so much good theater in Utah, and what we're trying to do with U-ACT is bring theaters together to share resources, experience and to learn from each other," said Brian Pilling of Wasatch Theatre Company, referring to their participation in U-ACT, Utah Association of Community Theatres.

"There's definitely competition between theaters, but I think highlighting the other theaters is great  they're all bringing good stuff to the table," he continued.

This year's festival offers a full-length play, six original short plays, staged readings and workshops, many of which are free and open to the public.

"It's always a great project because it allows us to feature new works by local playwrights," Pilling said of the shorts, "and it provides a great lesson for the playwrights about the interpretation of their play."

Also helpful to the playwrights are the staged readings that "are an excellent opportunity for the audience to hear new works and to offer feedback that could shape the future of the script," Pilling continued.

In addition to Wasatch Theatre, several other companies are taking part in this year's festival by directing or producing, including Around-the-Globe Theatre, Avalon Isle, Starry-Eyed Puppets and StageRight TheaterCompany.

"I know other states have really large scale festivals, and we have so much talent here, and that type of collaboration is where we'd like to see U-ACT go."